Sun Nov 10 02:45:25 UTC 2024: ## Qatar Suspends Mediation Efforts in Gaza Conflict Amid Stalemate
**DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (November 10, 2024):** Qatar has suspended its mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel after expressing frustration with the lack of progress towards a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
The decision came after Qatar informed both sides that it could not continue mediation “as long as there is a refusal to negotiate a deal in good faith.” Sources indicate that Qatar also advised Hamas to leave its political office in Doha if it was not prepared to engage in serious negotiations.
The U.S. government had reportedly urged Qatar to expel the Hamas delegation two weeks ago, citing the office’s diminishing usefulness.
While Qatar has suspended its role, it has stated that it will resume efforts if both sides demonstrate “serious political willingness” to reach a deal.
Meanwhile, the conflict in Gaza continues with no end in sight. Israeli strikes on Saturday killed at least 16 Palestinians, including six people in a school-turned-shelter. The Israeli military announced the first delivery of humanitarian aid in weeks to the territory’s north but the aid did not reach all intended recipients.
The conflict has left 90% of Palestinians in Gaza displaced, with the UN estimating tens of thousands remain in the north. More than 43,000 people have been killed in the year-long conflict, according to Palestinian health officials.
Israel’s ongoing offensive has drawn criticism from the U.S. over the limited flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The U.S. has demanded Israel improve aid deliveries or risk losing access to U.S. weapons funding.
The conflict, which began with Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023, continues to have a devastating impact on both sides. Protests in Israel calling for a ceasefire deal continue, with many expressing frustration over the lack of progress and the ongoing suffering.
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